Flexibility is a blessing—until it isn’t. When you try to do everything for both your work and your family, burnout can sneak in fast. The key is to approach flexibility strategically, so you’re fully present when it matters most. Here’s how.
Define what’s enough. Without clear boundaries, you’ll always feel behind. Set standard work hours and define the personal commitments that matter most to you. Equally important: Give yourself permission to skip the less-essential ones.
Clarify where you add the most value. You can’t do it all. Audit your calendar and meetings to eliminate low-value tasks. Focus your work hours on activities that drive the greatest results and impact.
Be willing to make people unhappy in the short term. Setting boundaries means some requests will go unanswered. That’s okay. Protect your time by scheduling around your priorities, not around others’ expectations.
Be really on; be really off. Stop trying to be available 24/7. Establish clear rules for when you’re off work—and stick to them. This allows you to be fully engaged both at work and at home. |
